FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2024
Burning of Kingston Returns in October
2024 Theme is ‘Voices Lost in the Fire’
KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steven T. Noble is pleased to announce that the City of Kingston, Ulster County, and Old Dutch Church will host a special Burning of Kingston event from October 17-20, 2024. The 2024 theme, Voices Lost in the Fire, reflects the diverse programming and historical perspectives that will be presented.
The Burning of Kingston, which typically occurs bi-annually in odd years, commemorates American Revolutionary War events of 1777, and the life and times of Kingston’s people. This special 2024 Burning of Kingston will be held in preparation of the United States Semiquincentennial in 2026 and will include both traditional and new stories at events throughout Uptown Kingston.
2024 Burning of Kingston events will include the muti-faceted history of Kingston’s colonial and indigenous life during the American Revolutionary War conflict, including live battle reenactments, historic tours, film, musical performances, a grand ball, presentations and discussions, and a commemorative 5k run from Uptown Kingston to historic Hurley. Programming will tell many stories through multiple lenses, from Kingston’s defeat by the British and the plight of its refugees, to what life was like for indigenous peoples, women, LGBTQ+, enslaved people, as well as American militia and British soldiers and mercenaries.
“As we lead into the country’s 250th anniversary, we are proud to present a special edition of the Burning of Kingston in 2024 with expanded offerings,” said Mayor Noble. “I want to thank our organizers, Ulster County Clerk and City Historian Taylor Bruck and Arts & Cultural Affairs Director Kitt Potter for their work to not only revive this cherished tradition, but to enrich the Burning of Kingston with more historical context and a deeper understanding of Colonial times. We are proud to expand the programming beyond battle re-enactments to give a richer perspective on our complex past and bring more voices to the forefront.”
“The entire weekend will be an engaging educational opportunity for all ages,” said Taylor Bruck, Ulster County Clerk. “We’re so happy to welcome our new partners, the Brigade of the American Revolution and St James Church, who are joining us this year.”
“By utilizing the arts to include stories of all lives that were impacted by the war and the Burning, we hold fast to principles of engagement and transparency,” said Kitt Potter, City of Kingston’s Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs. “Breaking through the traditional, however challenging, is a cultural and historic necessity to ensure all voices are represented in the portrayal of this pivotal point in our city’s distant past.”
Events are free and open to the public. For more information, and a full schedule, please visit burningofkingston.com.